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Nirmala Sitharaman's 9th Budget Saree: A Tamil Nadu Kancheevaram Weave

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her record ninth consecutive Union Budget wearing a handwoven Kancheevaram silk saree from Tamil Nadu. Her choice continues a tradition of using her Budget Day attire to spotlight India's diverse handloom heritage. Since 2019, she has showcased weaves like Mangalagiri, Pochampally Ikat, Bomkai, Ilkal, and a Madhubani-painted saree. The sartorial statement also pays homage to her home state, which is heading for Assembly elections.

Key Points: Sitharaman's 9th Budget Saree: A Handloom Tradition

  • 9th consecutive budget presentation
  • Wore handwoven Kancheevaram silk from Tamil Nadu
  • Tradition of showcasing regional handlooms
  • Carried trademark red bahi-khata
  • Assembly elections in home state this year
2 min read

Nine budgets, nine handlooms: A look at Nirmala Sitharaman's iconic budget sarees

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents her 9th budget in a Tamil Nadu Kancheevaram silk saree, continuing her tradition of showcasing Indian handlooms.

"Sitharaman's sartorial choice reaffirmed a tradition that has quietly evolved into a cultural statement."

New Delhi, February 1

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday chose to wear a handwoven Kancheevaram silk saree from Tamil Nadu ahead of her presentation of the Union Budget 2026 in Parliament.

For her record ninth consecutive budget presentation, Sitharaman's sartorial choice reaffirmed a tradition that has quietly evolved into a cultural statement.

The Finance Minister's saree featured a purple kattam (checked) body with light golden-brown checks, a coffee-brown border with thread work, and a mustard-gold pallu panel accented by violet and gold borders. She teamed the drape with a wollen shawl

Known for their lustrous silk and intricate craftsmanship, Kancheevaram sarees are among India's most celebrated handlooms.

A native of Tamil Nadu, Sitharaman chose to pay homage to her home state, which is holding Assembly elections this year. The Union Minister has kept with tradition in continuing to emphasise handwoven fabrics and artisan-made crafts in her Budget Day saree choices.

Since her first budget in 2019, when she wore a bright pink Mangalagiri saree, Sitharaman has showcased handlooms from across the country.

These include a yellow-gold silk saree in 2020, a Pochampally Ikat in 2021, Odisha's Bomkai in 2022, Karnataka's Ilkal in 2023, and two distinct weaves in 2024- Mangalagiri silk for the full budget and a blue Tussar silk saree with Kantha embroidery for the interim session.

2020:

2021:

2022:

2023:

2024 (full budget):

2024 (interim session):

In 2025, she wore an ivory Madhubani hand-painted saree gifted by Padma Shri awardee Dulari Devi.

On Sunday morning, Sitharaman was seen leaving Kartavya Bhavan for Rashtrapati Bhavan carrying her trademark red bahi-khata, introduced in 2019, before presenting the Union Budget for 2026-27 at 11 am, accompanied by senior finance ministry officials.

Sitharaman is set to present her record ninth consecutive budget today at 11 am in the Lok Sabha.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Respect for her consistency. While the focus should be on the budget numbers, this subtle cultural diplomacy is a nice touch. It puts our rich textile heritage on a global stage. The Kancheevaram today was stunning.
A
Arun Y
I appreciate the gesture, but I hope the budget itself has concrete measures to support these very handloom clusters she wears sarees from. The weavers need sustainable income, not just one-day symbolism.
S
Sarah B
As someone new to India, I find this tradition fascinating! It's a wonderful way to learn about the different states and their crafts. The article is like a mini-tour of India's textile map.
K
Karthik V
Being from Tamil Nadu, it feels special to see our Kancheevaram silk get this pride of place. The timing with the upcoming state elections is obvious, but the weave itself is timeless. Pure class!
M
Meera T
The red 'bahi-khata' and the handloom saree have become her signature. It shows a connection to Indian traditions in a modern policy setting. More power to her! 👏

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